Why go to Lake Natron Region?
That was what I was trying to discover when I went with my friend, expert guide Paul Oliver on my Safari in Feb-March 2015. Located within the Great East African Rift Valley, Natron is an off-the-grid [not for long though] Safari destination in Northern Tanzania. I think I know why those who love being on Safari come here to explore.
Stunning landscape.
This place is for those who want to photograph amazing varied terrain.
Ol Doinyo Lengai with ash on the side.
The most obvious is the glorious volcanic mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai, the mountain of God for the Maasai tribe members. The deep ridges carved from erosion, the spewed lava that comes out every 10 years or so or the depth of vegetation all reflected differently from different angles. This active mountain is very mesmerizing to watch.
Glorious Lake Natron in the evening.
Alkaline rich Lake Natron and its reflective surface, the many rock outcrops that dot the mirror-like lake, the white soda ash on the shores, and the lovely reeds that create interest. The hills are alive with character. You have to see the many hills with mini peaks that are formed to release the gas from the belly of the Earth.
If you are into landscape photography with the occasional wildlife spotting, this is your place.
Walking Safari.
The area near our camp, Lake Natron Tented Lodge is about an hour walk to the caustic Lake Natron. You have to pass through surprisingly cool water springs, [it was around 90F in February], muddy patches with lots of footprints to inspect from the zebras to the little bird prints, and then the unique crunchy dry soda from the salty lake.
Walking in Lake Natron.
There is also walking to the waterfall from the Engare Sero village. After your trek during the day, a cool dip sounds refreshing.
Lake Natron is an alkaline lake with the right ph for the flamingoes to breed. I was expecting to see lots of flamingos but that was not the case as they had flown away further south to Lake Eyasi and east to Lake Magadi in Ngorongoro Region. You could hear them flying at night from my room. Non the less, getting so close to the flamingos by foot was quite special.
Then you have the large count of migratory birds coming all the way from Europe and even Alaska. Paul, who is a birder was clicking away. Wadders were skittish around us and Paul told me about bird netting and bird poaching. Birds are facing a huge problem in many European countries like Italy, Malta to countries like Jordan. Millions of these lovely birds are served as a delicacy to satisfy humans.
Of course, the local birds are every present. We had fun with the Spotted Morning-thrush hanging on the branches of the acacia tree. He and Paul had a good conversation about our lovely ‘Safari life’.
Cultural stop.
Historic footprints have been found here. They calculated the age of these footprints and they are around 120,000 years old, the first modern straight standing man. This area is very close to Oldupai Gorge, were one of the first homo sapiens skull was found by the Leakey family.
That is homo sapien Paul Oliver leaving his footprints in the fresh spring water.
Who would like Lake Natron?
Anyone who likes to drive through open wide spaces, enjoys a bit of heat [especially from December to March], loves the freedom to take many walks, birds and migratory birds, can stare at stunning landscape and finish off with a cool dip in the fresh spring waters near Lake Natron Camp.
To enjoy Lake Natron, you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights.
If going off-the-beaten-path it of interest and you have time, adding Lake Natron and the lovely Lake Natron Camp to your Tanzanian Safari will be an amazing experience.